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Old 07-13-2011, 01:51 PM   #1
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Opinions welcomed.. Valterra or Thetford

I am at the point in my rebuild where I am preparing for replumbing of all tanks and fixtures. So, what would you'all go with...valterra or thetford waste valves? If I go valterra, should I stick with the current black pipe sizes or go down a notch? This is on my 1976 Argosy 26
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Old 07-13-2011, 02:01 PM   #2
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Parts and accessories are readily available anywhere for Valterra valves, which are now the industry standard. Thetford components are more expensive, harder to find, and available in fewer configurations.

I believe Airstream stayed with Thetford as long as they did primarily because of the cost and hassle of re-engineering existing assemblies and switching over production.
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Old 08-14-2011, 07:58 AM   #3
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I think Im going with Valterra looks like great stuff
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Old 08-14-2011, 08:11 AM   #4
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I went with Valterra for the exact reasons that Jammer stated.
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Old 08-14-2011, 10:24 AM   #5
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I did Valterra on mine, more readily available parts.
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Old 08-14-2011, 10:45 AM   #6
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Valterra. Decent quality, not expensive and available nearly everywhere including Walmart.
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Old 08-14-2011, 12:38 PM   #7
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Had the factory service department change the Airstream's OEM Thetford termination part to Valterra to allow for the most options and avoid having to use a Thetford to Valterra adapter. As mentioned before many systems and suppliers have Valtera parts. Well worth the convenience to have universal replacements available without monkeying around with this to that fitting.
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Old 08-20-2011, 09:06 AM   #8
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I just had both valves replaced with Thetford valves. The PO had not winterized the unit properly and the sleeves that fit to the tanks were cracked and leaking. The RV service center I had do the work wanted to replumb and put in Valtera, but I resisted and told them I wanted OEM. This put my vacation off by a week and caused a lot of frustration with my family. After much searching I finally found the Thetford sleeves from inland, (called thetford they told me they are no longer available). If I had it to do over I would go with Valtera.

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Old 08-20-2011, 10:27 AM   #9
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All good posts about the Valterra as they are cheaper and available almost everywhere. However, my experience has been the ears break often whereas even 35 year old Thetford ears are still in great shape. While working with the Intl Sanitation crew we continually broke new Valterra ears. If Thetfords were more available I would stay with them, but sadly things have changed and only a few places stock them anymore.
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Old 08-20-2011, 10:31 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Don McKelvay View Post
All good posts about the Valterra as they are cheaper and available almost everywhere. However, my experience has been the ears break often whereas even 35 year old Thetford ears are still in great shape. While working with the Intl Sanitation crew we continually broke new Valterra ears. If Thetfords were more available I would stay with them, but sadly things have changed and only a few places stock them anymore.
Many Airstream dealers in the US, stock Thetford parts.

Andy
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Old 08-20-2011, 04:12 PM   #11
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Opinions welcomed.. Valterra or Thetford

I have had the opportunity to compare side-by-side . . . . Thetford on my Airstream and Valterra on my Argosy . . . . to me there is no question . . . the QUALITY choice is Thetford. I have never had a part break on my Overlander's Thetford setup . . . but I am on my third round of replacements on the Valterra parts on my Minuet. The next time the Valterra breaks on the Minuet . . . Thetford goes back in . . . .

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin
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Old 08-20-2011, 06:11 PM   #12
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I think AS today uses Valtettra products.
Easier to find parts for.
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Old 08-20-2011, 06:12 PM   #13
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my 501st post...
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Old 08-20-2011, 07:40 PM   #14
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